Urban Movement Arts

For anyone in Philadelphia and throughout the broader Pennsylvania region looking to explore the exciting world of movement, rhythm, and self-expression, Urban Movement Arts (UMA) offers an unparalleled experience. More than just a dance studio, UMA is a vibrant community that embraces all bodies, ages, genders, and experience levels, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where every individual can discover the joy of movement. From high-energy hip-hop and house dance to specialized classes focused on physical consciousness and wellness, UMA is dedicated to helping people grow as dancers and as individuals. It’s a place where you can de-stress, make friends, and connect with the rich cultural foundations of various dance forms, right here in our local community.

Urban Movement Arts (UMA) is strategically located at 812 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. This address places the studio firmly in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, making it an incredibly convenient and accessible destination for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. Chestnut Street is a major east-west thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. For individuals utilizing public transportation, UMA’s location is exceptionally well-served. Multiple SEPTA bus routes run along Chestnut Street and nearby avenues. Furthermore, major subway and regional rail stations, including Jefferson Station and City Hall Station, are within easy walking distance, connecting the studio to virtually every corner of the metropolitan area. While Center City parking can sometimes be a challenge, numerous parking garages are available in the vicinity of 8th and Chestnut Streets, offering options for those who prefer to drive. The accessibility of this prime location is a significant advantage for UMA, allowing a diverse range of individuals from all over Pennsylvania to participate in their unique and varied dance and movement programs, integrating seamlessly into their urban routines. Reviews specifically mention the "shiny new location" at 8th St, highlighting its improved accessibility and modern feel.

Urban Movement Arts (UMA) offers a comprehensive and diverse array of classes and programs designed to cater to a wide spectrum of interests and skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced dancers. Their philosophy emphasizes holistic growth, combining technical instruction with cultural understanding and overall well-being. Here’s a detailed look at the services and programs provided:

• Diverse Dance Styles: UMA prides itself on offering a rich lineup of classes rooted primarily in contemporary Black American folkloric dance, African folkloric dance, Latin American dance, and contemporary somatic and movement culture practices. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Hip Hop Dance (Beginner, All Levels, Intermediate & Above): Covering various aspects of this dynamic urban style.
  • House Dance (Beginner, All Levels, Intermediate & Above): Focusing on intricate footwork, improvisation, and musicality.
  • Breaking Basics: Introducing the fundamentals of breakdance.
  • Vogue Elements (Beginner/Intermediate) & Vogue (Intermediate/Advanced): Exploring this expressive and powerful style.
  • Waacking: A soulful dance known for arm movements, posing, and fluidity.
  • Popping: Concentrating on muscle contractions to create "pops."
  • Solo Salsa (Beginner): For those interested in Latin dance without a partner.
  • Heels Dance (Beginner): Focuses on building confidence and comfort in feminine movement, starting with foundational work without heels.
  • Lindy Hop: A classic swing dance.
• The UMA Dip Programs: Specifically designed for "complete beginners" and "newcomers to dance," these personalized and comfortably paced introductory courses provide support for individuals getting started. Specific "Dip" editions are offered for House Dance and "Femme" movement (drawing from Heels, Vogue, and Waacking Posing).
• Workout, Wellness, and Movement Culture Classes: Beyond traditional dance, UMA offers unique classes that promote physical consciousness and overall well-being, including:
  • Yoga: For flexibility, strength, and mindfulness.
  • Stretch/Mobility: Enhancing physical adaptability.
  • Movement Flow: Original concepts developed by UMA teachers to enhance coordination, strength, flexibility, power, agility, and dynamism.
  • Mobility and Recovery for Dancers: Tailored for dancers to prevent injuries and aid recovery.
• Flexible Pricing Options: UMA offers various ways to attend classes, including:
  • Drop-in passes ($19 per class, valid for 14 days).
  • 5-Class Cards ($65, valid for 1 month).
  • Intro Month Unlimited ($40 for new students, valid for 1 month).
  • One Month Unlimited ($135).
  • Auto-paid Monthly Memberships ($120/month for standard, $100/month for discounted rates for students, artists, teachers, under 26, seniors, vets).
  • Combo Memberships for access to both 812 and 2100 Chestnut locations ($175/month standard, $160/month discounted).
• Performance Opportunities: UMA offers "WORKINONIT," where instructors choreograph on student performers, leading to culminating performances, allowing students to gain stage experience.
• Workshops and Events: UMA partners with organizations like the Free Library of Philadelphia to bring dance classes to the wider community and hosts events, enriching the local dance scene.

Urban Movement Arts (UMA) is truly a standout institution in the Philadelphia dance landscape, highly lauded by its community for its inclusive philosophy, exceptional instruction, and comprehensive approach to movement. Several key features and highlights contribute to its glowing reputation:

• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: This is perhaps UMA's most celebrated feature. Reviewers consistently mention it as a "welcoming community" where they "always make friends." UMA explicitly states it welcomes "All bodies, all ages, all genders, all racial identities, all experience levels," fostering a truly safe and non-judgmental space, especially for adults completely new to dance.
• Exceptional Instructor Quality: The teaching staff at UMA receives consistent praise. Reviewers describe them as "friendly," "amazing dancers," and "sweet, focused and well prepared." Instructors like Vince are highlighted for "patiently teaching everyone moves, offering positive encouragement and helping people who may be struggling."
• Focus on Growth and Progress: UMA excels at meeting students "wherever you're at so that you can make progress." Whether a complete beginner or a seasoned dancer, the instruction is tailored to facilitate individual development, empowering students to "feel like a dancer" even if they weren't one when they started.
• Variety and Flexibility in Classes: The studio offers a "good amount of variety," allowing students to "try different classes easily." This extensive range of styles, from Hip Hop and House to Vogue, Breaking, and even Movement Culture classes, ensures there's something for everyone. The option for drills and freestyle focus is also appreciated by those less inclined towards choreography.
• Emphasis on Culture and Mindset: Beyond just physical moves, UMA "recognizes the body as the fulcrum of communication, creativity, and wellness." They are dedicated to "teaching culture and sharing mindsets" that help students grow "as a dancer and a human," providing historical and cultural context for the dance forms.
• Affordable Pricing: The fact that they are "affordable too, yay" is a significant highlight, making quality dance education accessible to a wider audience. The various membership and class card options further enhance this flexibility.
• Unique Movement Culture Offerings: UMA's classes in "Movement Culture" and wellness, developed by their teachers from years of experience, are highlighted as "some of the most unique offerings," providing alternatives to traditional workouts and enhancing overall physical integration.
• Strong Presence in the Community: UMA actively partners with local institutions like the Free Library of Philadelphia for community classes, demonstrating their commitment to broad access to the arts.

For those in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania region eager to connect with Urban Movement Arts and begin their dance journey, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 812 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
• Phone: (267) 519-2957
• Mobile Phone: +1 267-519-2957

Prospective students are highly encouraged to contact UMA directly via phone to inquire about class schedules, explore membership options, or ask any specific questions about their programs, especially if you are new to dance and considering one of their "UMA Dip" introductory series. Their friendly and supportive staff are ready to guide you to the perfect class that fits your interests and experience level.

For locals in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, Urban Movement Arts (UMA) is an undeniable gem for anyone looking to engage with dance and movement. Its central location on Chestnut Street provides unparalleled accessibility via public transport and nearby parking, making it a convenient choice for urban dwellers. What truly sets UMA apart, as consistently highlighted by enthusiastic community members, is its profoundly "welcoming community" where individuals feel "supported and encouraged to grow." Whether you're a complete beginner enjoying the introductory "DIP series" with a patient instructor like Vince, or an experienced mover seeking to refine your freestyle, UMA's diverse offerings in hip-hop, house, breaking, and even unique movement culture classes cater to all. Their commitment to teaching not just moves but also "culture and sharing mindsets" fosters holistic growth, ensuring you develop as both a dancer and a human. With amazing, focused teachers and affordable pricing, Urban Movement Arts is the ideal place for anyone in our Pennsylvania community to find their rhythm, make friends, and discover the transformative power of dance.

Urban Movement Arts

812 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA